PLYMOUTH Good news at Heminger House In the four...

February 04, 2009

PLYMOUTHGood news at Heminger House In the four months since opening its doors to victims of domestic violence, the Heminger House Shelter for Women and Children has assisted 25 women and 25 children. Ten of those women have set up independent households, away from their abusers, according to interim director Linda Mullen Clevenger. "That's a great way to measure success," she said. Through group lessons and discussions, residents learn how to break the cycle of domestic violence, how to start over, and how to assist their children in overcoming trauma of domestic violence. National statistics show that a woman returns to an abusive relationship seven times before finally leaving for good. The support of the community is vital to the success of Heminger House, Clevenger said. A list of needs includes laundry detergent, cleaning solution, automatic dishwashing detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, diapers, facial tissue, feminine hygiene products, fabric softener sheets, and gift cards for grocery stores. Donations may be taken to the mayor's office on Garro Street (the entrance behind the city hall) or to Homemade To Go, 122 S. Michigan St. Drop-offs may be arranged by calling (574) 936-7233. Ancilla teams up for cancer cause The Ancilla College athletic department will partner with the Ounce of Prevention Foundation during the scheduled Feb. 14 women's and men's basketball doubleheader against Jackson Community College. Held at the LifePlex, games will tip off at 1 p.m. for the women and 3 p.m. for the men. Admission will be $5 with all proceeds to benefit the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth. Ribbons for breast cancer awareness also will be available for $1 each. Ounce of Prevention is a local foundation dedicated toward raising money to fight breast cancer. This is the second such event hosted by Chargers for Change, an initiative created by the Ancilla College athletic department to help serve the underserved in the local community. Chargers for Change previously partnered with the Heminger House during a men's and women's basketball doubleheader on Dec. 6. The LifePlex is at Pine Road and U.S. 30, northwest of Plymouth.